Brazil’s presidential contest moves to a run-off as right gains in Congress
Flávio Bolsonaro leads the reported first-round count, but neither he nor Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva secured a majority. The congressional gains for right-wing parties could shape the next president’s ability to govern.
Brazil’s electoral court has confirmed that Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will contest a presidential run-off on 25 October. Neither candidate won the majority needed to secure the presidency in the first round.
With nearly 99 per cent of votes reported, Bolsonaro had about 47 per cent of valid votes to Lula’s 44.9 per cent. The figures put Bolsonaro ahead, but the contest remains undecided.
The result diverged from most pre-election polls, which had generally placed Lula ahead in the first round. Polling before the run-off had suggested a close race, while the votes for other first-round candidates leave the contest open.
The presidential vote came alongside elections for Congress and other offices. Right-wing parties, led by Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party, made gains in both houses; the PL was on track to become the largest force in the Chamber of Deputies.
Those gains could constrain Lula’s legislative agenda if he wins another term. The result also signals continued electoral strength for the movement associated with former president Jair Bolsonaro, whose son is now competing for the presidency.
